Baked Tostones

Yum, Yum, Yum. I love plantains but until recently wasn't brave enough to make them and didn't want the calories from frying them. Lucky Gina came to the rescue again with this recipe. Made to serve with Chicken Ropa Vieja but these go well with any Cuban, Mexican, or Latin dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium green plantains
• Zero Calorie Spray Butter
  
• salt
• Pam spray

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°.
2. Peel plantains and slice into 1/2 thick slices. Arrange slices on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Coat with spray butter and sprinkle on salt.Remove from oven and using a heavy glass flatten to about 1/4 inch thickness.
   
3. Bake for 10 minutes. Flip plantains, add a little more oil spray on top and bake for another 10 - 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy..
   
4. Remove from oven.

Makes 2 servings. Calories vary depending on the size of the plantain. Approximately 120 calories per serving.

Chicken Ropa Vieja

Miles and I love Cuban and Cuban inspired food. While this recipe is normally made from beef, chicken makes it a lighter version of a classic. I have made this a couple times and every time it is great. Gina's weight loss blog is awesome for dishes that are full of flavor but that don't have the calories of the standard meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 chicken breast halves (10-12 ounces)
  
• 1 large red onion, sliced
  
• 1 tomato, quartered
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 tbsp chicken broth + about a cup extra
  
• 1 red or yellow bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp cumin, or more to taste (I like a lot)
• garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Grill chicken. Once cooked through place the chicken into a bowl and shred it into strips using a fork; set aside.
2. In a large deep skillet, heat chicken broth over medium heat. Add the garlic, onions, and red peppers. Cook about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in chicken, tomato sauce, white wine, and about 3/4 cup of chicken broth to create a nice sauce. Season with cumin, garlic powder salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer on low for about 10 minutes more adding more broth and seasoning if needed. Makes 4 cups.

Makes 2 large servings: calories per serving 315